Best Streaming Devices: Here we share everything you need to know about the top companies in the streaming device game and what your money can buy, but we have a little secret to share with you — Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Google TV: There is no single divine streaming stick or box that controls them all.
We know it doesn’t make your decision any simpler, but at least you have an option. Every one of them will provide you access to all of the movies and series that Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and others have to offer, but it will come down to which one is ideal for you and your budget, which can range from $30 to $200.
However, if you have a smart TV from any of the main manufacturers from the last few years, there is a strong chance you won’t need to plug in any other type of smart streaming device, thanks to the built-in operating system and a variety of available streaming apps. Not to mention features like Chromecast and AirPlay 2, which allow you to stream any type of movies from any Android, iOS, Mac device, or Chrome.
Our top two selections are in a league of their own. They are the best options you have. They’re also the most expensive — by a long shot. In other sections, we will look at picks that are more comparable in terms of price and function. And, at that level, it’s basically about the ecology and personal preference more than anything else.
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The Best Streaming Devices: Apple TV 4K
In a world where $50 streaming sticks can definitely get the job done and do it effectively, it’s a little difficult to endorse something that costs three, four, or five times as much. To be clear, Apple TV 4K does not perform three, four, or five times as well as its competitors. In fact, you could argue that it does a little less.
What you receive for the extra money is a device that should last a lifetime. The latest generation is powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic engine and includes Wi-Fi 6 for wireless connectivity as well as gigabit Ethernet for those who prefer the plugin. It comes with 32GB of storage, but you can upgrade to 64GB for just $20 more, which you should do if you’re already in this price bracket. All of the other specifications are also present. Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDR10 are all available.
The revamped remote control isn’t our favorite of all the devices on this list, but it’s a lot better than it was. It also now has a genuine power button for shutting down the system.
All of this is followed by software updates that will last for years. The fourth-generation Apple TV, which was the last to offer HD resolution and was released in 2015, is still supported by tvOS. So, in terms of software, there’s plenty of reason to expect that an Apple TV 4K purchased today should survive at least five years.
Apple’s tvOS is even simpler than the company’s current phone and tablet software. The home screen consists solely of app icons. There are no genuine recommendations for shows, movies, or live networks. There is no advertising. There is nothing that overpowers. That ease of use may be worth the extra cost in and of itself.
Those who are fully committed to Apple’s ecosystem will also benefit from features such as AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, as well as the insanely slick integration of utilizing your iPhone or iPad as an on-screen keyboard. Even if you aren’t, you’ll be able to get your hands on all the apps you could possibly need for your home viewing experience. And they’re all done in compliance with Apple’s developer standards, which are significantly higher than those of the other platforms on this list.
Do you require more? Consider Apple Fitness+. It has the full connectivity with Apple TV 4K, which is ideal given that more people are exercising at home than ever before. If you’re a major player, Apple Arcade will be a welcome addition.
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The Best Streaming Device: Nvidia Shield
Nvidia Shield TV is the ultimate streaming media player for the modern living room. It let you enjoy a cinematic experience with the highest quality 4K HDR entertainment, thousands of apps, thousands of games, and the Google Assistant built-in. Nvidia Shield TV is a high-performance streaming media player, now up to 25% faster with the new Tegra X1+ processor. You will enjoy Netflix, Prime Video, and Vudu in stunning 4K with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. Upscale HD video to 4K in real-time using the power of AI and the Tegra X1+ processor. Cut the cord with apps like YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and PlayStation Vue.
However, you can cast your favorite apps to your TV with Chromecast 4K built-in. Use the built-in Google Assistant to see results on your TV, control playback on your favorite shows, share your photos, see your Nest cam, display your calendar, check the traffic, play the latest songs, dim the lights, and so much more, all with your voice. You can even control SHIELD hands-free with Alexa and Amazon Echo or with Google Home. The all-new SHIELD remote is more advanced than ever with motion-activated backlit buttons, voice control, Bluetooth control, an IR blaster to control your TV, buttons for power, volume, fast-forward, rewind, play/pause, plus a user-customizable button. Plus, never lose your remote with a built-in remote locator.
However, you can connect a game controller for access to AAA gaming with GeForce NOW, NVIDIA’s engineering breakthrough in cloud gaming. Instantly transform your Nvidia Shield TV into a GeForce-powered PC gaming rig. With hundreds of supported titles and features like cloud saves and cross-play on laptops and desktops, you can pick up a game from wherever you left off.
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Roku Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+: Best Streaming Devices
Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of the best streaming devices that is faster and more powerful than ever. The redesigned long-range Wi-Fi receiver is super-charged with up to 2x the speed—exactly what you need for smooth streaming in spectacular 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ pictures. It is an all-new design that plugs right into your TV with a simple setup. It’s perfect for wall-mounted TVs and keeping wires out of sight. Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out the rich detail in your entertainment with 4x the resolution of HD. Watch in awe as colors come to life with a spectacular Dolby Vision picture.
However, you can start streaming channels including Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap with a super-fast startup, and enjoy smooth TV streaming in rooms further from your router with the long-range Wi-Fi receiver, now up to 2x faster. It let you power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Easily search across thousands of channels with your voice and control your TV, streaming, and sound—all with the included Roku voice remote.
You can upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals only on The Roku Channel. The customizable home screen puts them front and center of your favorite, so you can spend your time streaming—not scrolling. Setup is simple with everything you need in the box. This Roku Streaming Stick 4K also works with popular voice assistants. Ask your Alexa or Google Assistant-enabled device to launch channels, search for entertainment, control your streaming, and more. You can also control your TV using the Apple Home app or Siri on your Apple devices plus share videos, photos, and music from your Apple device using AirPlay.
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Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Best Streaming Devices
For a few years now, the original Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K has been a wonderful investment. Making it more “Max” made it even better. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max now features upgraded internals, including a faster processor, Wi-Fi 6, and Dolby Vision support. It comes with the most recent Alexa Voice Remote, which lacks hands-free voice access but does feature proper television controls.
What does not change is the excellent experience provided by Amazon Fire TV OS. While the home screen may still be a bit cluttered for some, this is only a reflection of how much amazing material is accessible in the Amazon ecosystem. Start with Amazon Prime Video, of course, which includes all the movies and TV shows you could desire, as well as plenty of original material.
Then there’s IMDb.tv, Amazon’s own advertising-supported streaming portal with free movies and episodes.
Alternatively, attach an antenna to an Amazon Fire TV Recast to get your local broadcast channels directly in your Fire TV experience.
That’s before you consider all of the third-party streaming apps, games, and other alternatives available on Amazon Fire TV. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is still a terrific option that is difficult to top.
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Chromecast with Google TV
You usually get what you pay for when it comes to Android-based hardware. Cheap Android sticks are plentiful, but they should be avoided because support might be spotty. Sticking with Google’s own hardware ensures that you’ll get all of the features and support you desire, as well as the security you should expect.
Chromecast with Google TV is the company’s first piece of hardware to run the next-generation operating system. It’s technically built on Android, but this isn’t your father’s Android TV gadget (or your grandfather’s initial Google TV device, but that’s a story for another day). It has a new operating system as well as new home screens. It does a better and more complex job of surfacing things to watch and apps to utilize. To a fault, at times.
And, sure, it’s still a Chromecast, which makes it incredibly simple to stream content from your phone or Chrome browser to your television.
The main issue we have is that, like other hardware in this price range, it can be a little underpowered, which is a worry when you’re drawing as many graphics on the screen as Google TV does. And when you’re talking about a device that you’re likely to use every day, even minor slowness becomes magnified.
Still, it’s a terrific way to finish out the trinity of low-cost streaming devices, and there’s even a rumor that Google is working on a lower-cost 1080p version, so possibilities abound!
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